SOUTHEND’S second team captain Blair Morgan heaped praise on his side after they beat local rivals Westcliff in the Division One Merit League Cup final on Saturday.
A hat-trick from winger Norbetas Radzevicius helped Southend win 33-7 at the Gables. And Morgan was delighted to get his hands on some silverware in his first season with the club.
“Westcliff are a tough team and have been all year, so to get a win over them was very good," said the 20-year-old Australian.
“It’s been a long, tough year and to end with a big win over a local rival is quite an achievement.
“The first half was fast and physical. We scored points pretty early on but they were never out of the race, so we certainly never felt the game was won.”
“The second half was slower as we began to tire and my body certainly felt it the next morning.
“But it was a great achievement from the team.”
Norbetas Radzevicius - bagged a hat-trick for Southend
Southend’s seconds now face Rochford Hundred in the county cup semi-final this weekend.
But, beyond that, Morgan believes the players will be looking to work their way up into the first team at Warners Bridge.
“We’re looking forward to the Rochford game which we’re preparing for at the moment, but as a long-term goal I’m sure all these boys are willing to put their hand up for a first team spot,” said the hooker.
“They are all excellent players and it’s what they’re striving for.”
The victory came after Southend have also topped the league.
And coach Mark Sexton was delighted by another fine display.
“It was a good win and the boys have put in a lot of hard work this season, so it was good to see them get rewarded,” said Sexton.
“Westcliff are a good side, they beat us four times last season, so for us to beat them twice this year and to also draw with them shows we’ve improved.
“It’s also good to see because it’s such a young side.
“The average age must be 20 or 21 and we had three under-17 players out there on Saturday.
“I think the oldest player out there was 25 and we have some very exciting prospects coming through, which is obviously great to see.”
“It certainly bodes well for the future.”
Southend winger Will Merrion is tackled
Southend’s triumph came in one of several finals played at the weekend after amateur club teams from all over Essex had qualified from the semi-finals the previous week.
The Merit League consists of eight divisions which play throughout the winter before the top teams qualify for the semi-finals.
Southend also won the Division Two Plate final, beating Westcliff 15-10, while they triumphed 15-13 against Epping in the Division Five Cup final.
However, Southend were beaten in the Division Six Plate final, losing 14-12 to Wanstead.
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